Overview

• The H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki 6 satellite launched successfully from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan.
• Michibiki 6 is the fifth satellite in Japan's quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS), which supplements U.S. GPS for improved positioning accuracy.
• Japan plans to expand its satellite network to seven by March 2026 and to 11 satellites by the late 2030s for independent global positioning capability.
• The H3 rocket has now achieved four consecutive successful launches after its initial failure in March 2023.
• Developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket is part of Japan's strategy to strengthen its space program and compete in the satellite launch market.